2013 North American International Auto Show Unveils 2014 Concepts

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Jan 21, 2013, 03:36 ET

DETROIT, Jan. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit is where the global automotive community converges every year in January and the future of transportation is revealed. This year over 500 vehicles will be on display from 40 manufacturers, and, including some of the most innovative designs in the world as well as never-before seen debuts. "The 2013 Detroit auto show could be the most exciting auto show of the year," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "Car fans worldwide are eager to catch a good look at the many all-new vehicle debuts in Detroit."

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HONDA URBAN SUV CONCEPT

An all-new Honda "Urban SUV Concept" vehicle made its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The dynamic and youthful concept hints at the styling direction of an all-new small SUV slated to launch in Japan by the end of 2013, followed by the U.S. market in 2014.

"No one has had greater success with small cars than Honda, and this Urban SUV Concept will create new value in the growing small-SUV segment," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda. "With the continued expansion of our North American manufacturing operations, we expect fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive 'small' cars to play a key role in meeting the needs of our customers in the U.S."

The Urban SUV Concept is intended to provide the basis for a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient small SUV with aspirational design, flexible packaging and next-generation connectivity targeting active lifestyle customers. The concept showcases clean and sophisticated styling, dynamic character lines and a strong stance, with hidden rear door handles giving the SUV a coupe-like presence.

2014 SUBARU FORESTER

Subaru of America, Inc. featured the all-new 2014 Forester, the fourth generation of its popular all-wheel drive crossover SUV. The 2014 Forester debuts a bolder exterior design and roomier interior, along with improved performance and higher fuel economy across the line. The five-passenger 2014 Subaru Forester is a total re-design of the acclaimed crossover SUV that's built a strong reputation for safety, performance, dependability and versatility. As with all previous Forester models, the 2014 version comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a distinction from competitive models that come with front-wheel drive as standard and offer all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option. The 2014 Forester will jump to the head of its segment in all-wheel drive fuel economy, with the 2.5i models with the CVT achieving manufacturer-estimated fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined.

HYUNDAI GENESIS HCD-14 CONCEPT

Having finished 2012 with five-straight years of premium segment sales growth with its Genesis and Equus vehicle lines, Hyundai unveiled its design direction for future premium vehicles with its HCD-14 Genesis concept at the North American International Auto Show.

"We've departed from industry convention in many of our premium product, marketing, sales and service approaches, and it's worked out pretty well, with Genesis and Equus now delivering a nine percent retail market share in their premium segments, higher than the five percent retail share Hyundai brand achieves in the overall industry," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "This success paves the way for a new generation of rear-wheel drive premium products. HCD-14 Genesis gives a hint of the design direction we'll be taking, and an indication of the focus we're placing on driving dynamics and technology."

SOURCE Kelley Blue Book